====== Workplace Accommodations ======
Workplace Accommodations: A Guide for Employees and Employers
What are workplace accommodations?
Workplace accommodations are changes to the work environment or work schedule that allow an employee with a disability to perform the essential functions of their job. Accommodations can be physical, such as a wheelchair ramp or assistive technology, or they can be procedural, such as a flexible work schedule or a modified work schedule.
Who is eligible for workplace accommodations?
Employees with disabilities are eligible for workplace accommodations. A disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Major life activities include walking, talking, seeing, hearing, learning, working, caring for oneself, and operating a motor vehicle.
What are the benefits of workplace accommodations?
Workplace accommodations can benefit both employees and employers. For employees, accommodations can help them to:
- Perform their jobs more effectively
- Maintain their employment
- Advance in their careers
For employers, accommodations can help to:
- Create a more inclusive workplace
- Reduce absenteeism and turnover
- Improve productivity
How to request a workplace accommodation
If you need a workplace accommodation, you should request one from your employer. You can do this by:
- Talking to your supervisor or HR department
- Writing a letter to your employer
- Completing a workplace accommodation request form
What information should I include in my request?
When you request a workplace accommodation, you should include the following information:
- A description of your disability
- A description of the accommodation(s) you are requesting
- An explanation of how the accommodation(s) will help you perform the essential functions of your job
What happens after I request an accommodation?
Once you request an accommodation, your employer will review your request and determine whether it is reasonable. If your employer determines that the accommodation is reasonable, they will provide it to you. If your employer determines that the accommodation is not reasonable, they will provide you with a written explanation of their decision.
Can I appeal my employer’s decision?
If you are not satisfied with your employer’s decision, you can appeal it. You can do this by:
- Contacting the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
- Filing a complaint with your state’s fair employment agency
- Filing a lawsuit
Resources for employees and employers
There are a number of resources available to help employees and employers with workplace accommodations. These resources include:
- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
- The Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
- The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
Additional information
For more information on workplace accommodations, please visit the following websites:
- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): www.eeoc.gov
- The Job Accommodation Network (JAN): www.askjan.org
- The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD): www.aapd.org
Secondary keywords:
- Disability
- Reasonable accommodation
- Essential functions
- Major life activities
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
- Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
- American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
